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W. P. NELSON COMPANY 
MURAL DECORATORS 
193 WABASH AVENUE, CHICAGO 


AVERY LIBRARY 
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 


AVERY LIBRARY 
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 


ENVIRONMENTS 


: MM” 11S man’s instinct to improve his surroundings and make them more congenial 
| by decoration. 

Relics of the handiwork left by primitive man in all parts of 
the globe prove that from the beginning it has been his natural 
tendency to beautify his dwelling, his household effects, even his 
rude tools. In this effort of primitive people may be found the 
origin of the higher arts. 


To the Chaldeans and Egyptians probably belongs the most 
credit for the development of the applied arts, and long before the 
advent of the Greeks their Country was rich in mural decorations, ceramics 


and wrought metals. But it was reserved for this matchless people of 
Hellas to institute a new departure in art, an art that in its maturity reached a 
chastity and finish unsurpassed to this day. The chief reason for the superior attain- 
ments of the Hellenes was undoubtedly the influence of Environment. A country 
broken by mist-topped mountains and hills affording a peaceful protection to valleys 
rich in vegetation; streams that were happy inspirations from their headwaters to 
where they broke a coast line, irregular by reason of its beautiful gulfs and bays, 
world renowned even to this day; countless islands set in warm, quiet seas, helped to 
make a picture of this land of the gods. When we add to all this, blue skies and an 
even climate, what wonder that these imaginative Greeks surrounded themselves with 
works of architecture and decorative skill that are the wonder and despair of modern 
artists. 


We are a different people, but the principal difference is that resulting 
from experience. Are we not as much under the influence of our surround- 
ings as the Ancients? So subtle is the influence that we realize it only . } 
when we stop to give it thought. ! 


In our homes we obtain the first and most lasting impressions A al 
of our life ; therefore, when we come to decorate, a duty to our -... i 
wives, our children and our friends, as well as to ourselves, | 
requires us to put forth the best effort consistent with ae Ee 
the means at our command. i J}c 


The first and most important consideration is to create harmony, 

Whether one has taste or not, it will be observed that true 
harmony Satisfies the craving of the aesthetic instinct. 
Time was when we were greatly restricted by the rareness of truly 
decorative mediums. In this century, however, we can reproduce almost 
to exactness, and at a cost within the reach of all, the fabrics that have 
so long withstood the great 
test of time that they 
have become standards for decorative 
purposes, Tapestries, Cretonnes, Dam- 
asks, Silks, Chintzes, etc. 

The aim of a true decorator is to 
produce beauty and to assist by the 
use of suitable mediums in adding 
value to the purpose or idea of the room. 

The possibilities for the transfor- 
mation of interiors indifferently fur- 
nished into ones refined and harmonious 
are endless. With all the skill of the 
modern decorator, he must leave to the 
woman the task of crowning his work 
with that touch of feminine personality 
that makes the home homelike. 

Suppose you have a house to 
decorate. Let us see what an inter- 
esting home may result from a little 


display of taste, and a small outlay of 
money. 


First comes the 


HALL 


The hallways in the mansions built 
by our Colonial ancestors express plainer 
than does tradition their true hospitality. 
A wide carpeted staircase welcomed the 
guests to rooms above. Chairs and 
hallseats in strong contrast to the light, 


Detail of Louis XV Panel Used in Drawing Room. 


Suggestion for Drawing Room. 


figured woodwork, added the necessary warmth.. When we remember the unsettled 
condition of the country and the difficulty, in the times of the Colonies, of obtaining 
truly decorative wall and furniture coverings, we can account for the plainness in many 
of the Colonial interiors. Those that overcame these difficulties produced results that 
are surely gratifying. Tapestry, with subjects representing fox hunts or outdoor sports 
that were popular, was used in some of the most celebrated Colonial Halls. 


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as this color has a restful effect on the eyes when entering from the bright 
daylight. An English ornament over this dark ground is appropriate. = 
Orange and yellow being luminous colors are desirable where Halls 

are dark. Colonial stripes, conventionalized floral and Se 
foliage designs, two toned velvets and verdure tapestries are Yi 
among Hall papers. | 


For a well lighted, modern Hall we would suggest a deep red or green, é 


From this first view of your interior the visitor gains 
a good idea of the character of your home. The correct 
use of a novelty here is a stamp of the individual good 
taste of the host and hostess. 


THE DRAWING OR RECEPTION ROOM 


probably through the result of too much effort often fails to create 
the desired impression. It often becomes the final resting place for 
heirlooms and gifts too delicate to be of use in the living rooms. A 
good rule to follow for the Drawing room is to see that every article be 
beautiful from its fitness and every ornament useful by its need. This 
room should express both dignity and hospitality. It may be successful 
without the former but is always a failure without the latter. 
The style generally conceded to 'e the best for Drawing rooms 
is a modification of that which flouris .ed when the Louis of France 
| held their courts at Versailles and Fontaiuebleau, that age of fashion. 
During the reign of Louis XVI the Renaissance style which by that time had been 
adopted by the French as the best possible expression for the embellishment of 
interior and exterior walls, furniture, fabrics and jewelry, reached its highest point. It 
was in these times that the manufacture of the Renaissance Tapestry, particularly the 
Gobelin, received an impetus which placed it at the head of all fabrics for wall and 
furniture coverings. Panels with Rococo ornament painted by Watteau and artists 
of the day were used in the most pretentious dwellings. 


Templemore No. 321. Rothesay No. 234. 


Library With Inglenook. 


A feeling of statliness, unmarred by any sign of inhospitality, is obtained by the 
use of either Empire relief ornament, slightly enriched with touches of gold, or light 
tapestry papers. It is desirable that the furniture and woodwork be light and fresh 
in coloring and conform in character to the style of the hangings. 

A cerise, Empire green, or light old gold with ceiling to harmonize in plain tint and 
pearl beading in gold is an effective though inexpensive treatment for a small 
Parlor, especially if the moulding and cornice are in tone. The woodwork should be 
finished in ivory white. 

Reproductions of Silks, Satins, Damasks, Moires and many of the other 
fine fabrics are fitting supplements to the furnishings of our best rooms. 

We reproduce a scheme followed by us for the decoration of a Drawing 
room, showing the effect of Louis Quinze panels with gold mouldings. The 
cornice and cove are finished in Rococo handwork. 


OUR LIBRARY 
is a real expression of our home life. The better education 
and literary tastes of our children as well as ourselves 
make this room a necessity. It is there, after the rest 


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have gone the housewife reads the morning paper or attends to 
her correspondence. When the children are home it is where 
they prepare their lessons or read a favorite book. In the evening 
the husband finds a chance to spend in it a quiet hour. 
Everything in the Library should be suggestive of comfort. 
It is the best place for our easy chair and sofa, for when we 
read we like to rest. Rich though subdued tones prevail in Library 
hangings. An elaborate and intricately woven English design 
supplemented by panels in rich plain tints like those in the appended illustration is a 
capital scheme for this room. 
It will be found that the suggested colorings afford excellent backgrounds for 
etchings, diplomas, relics and personal trophies that properly belong to the Library or 
Den. Japanese or pressed leather in dull tones, burlaps, rich heavy tapestry or even 


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Dining Room—Paper in Two Toned Red, Ceiling in Plain ‘Tint. 


Tapestrie ‘‘Paysage’’ No. 567. . Tapestrie ‘‘de Dauphin’’ No. 784. 


Oriental effects are popularly used. Ina Library or Living Room with a low ceiling 
a large two toned stripe is often a great success. The width of the stripe is gauged by 
the size of the room, the smaller the room the smaller the stripe. 


THE LIVING ROOM 


like the Library is subject to individual tastes. In many modern homes we find 

a room that is both Library and Living room. Many of these homes contain no 

Drawing or Reception room. In this case papers similar in character to those 

sugge ted for these rooms are appropriate but they should be slightly less pretentious. The 

suggestions offered for the Library are applicable to the Living room. 
There is little excuse for not having a cheerful 


DINING ROOM. 


As its purpose admits of little furniture we must look to the walls co Fs 
for interest. Many consider pure Flemish the ideal style for ea 
rooms. From these people came the idea of using the walls for 
the display of service ware. They may be made to support 
pretty, natural wood brackets or plate rails for the display of 
decorated china and metalware, cabinets and shelves for clocks 
and candlesticks. A modern rendering of this style has a charm 


for lovers of the Antique. Many widely differing styles 
may be followed with happy results, we suggest the 
Flemish on account of its historical interest. 


If you have a showing of pottery, a most 
interesting and appropriate background is a fruit tapestry 
on a deep blue ground supplemented by a subdued red 

and gold. 

Stamped leathers and burlaps are undoubtedly in good 
taste for the Dining room, as well as the Library. 

There is little danger of going astray on Dining room adornment, 
however, providing the color scheme is well conceived. 

We wish in this connection to mention a beautiful floral tapestry made in Germany 
called “The Utrecht.” The pattern, a dimly suggested landscape surrounded by an 
arrangement of roses and leaves is over a soft blue. The colors blend harmoniously 
with the fabric effect. This paper is also appropriate for Halls. 

Ornamented green and old gold effects are good Dining room papers. 

THE DEN 

As the den is of comparatively modern origin it is open to any agreeable invention 

although popular taste inclines towards the Oriental. As it isa man’s room, his taste 


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The Nelson No. 684. 


The Den. 


must be consulted before any attempt be made at furnishing. Given a small room, 
a lot of Oriental or Indian trappings, pipes and tobacco and an ingenious mind can 
conceive of an arrangement that cannot be otherwise than a suggestion of luxury. 

A small commonplace room may be very easily made into an interesting Den at 
little expense. First stain the woodwork a dark shade. Then cover the walls and 
ceiling with an Oriental paper. If a fabric pattern is chosen and well hung the eye will 
invariably be deceived as to the medium. The hangings, rugs, couch and pillow 
covers should be rich though not necessarily expensive. With the walls, ceiling, 
hangings and furniture coverings in harmony there remains only 
the introduction of one or two easy chairs and a couch to complete 
ihe: effect, 

The ceiling design in our illustration is a Navajo 
stripe. It is sometimes varied by running the stripes 
straight across the ceiling instead of in squares. 
Turkish Bagdad designs. are popular for 


Den ceilings. Highly colored tapestry effects 
in richly blended Oriental patterns have been 


manufactured of late especially for use in Dens. Burlap is often used 
as it makes a good solid background for pipe racks, armor, Indian 
relics and similar appurtenances. 
: x The unlimited variety of Den papers we show, from plain 
WANG in| reds and rich stripes to Persian blues with zigzag rug patterns 
ais | Nia ) and barbaric combinations of rich though harmonious brilliancy, 
= ea \ adds much to the possibilities of an Oriental room. 

—! a A JAPANESE ROOM 
« We cannot imagine a more interesting scheme for a young ladies 
room than the Japanese. Parasols, dolls, draperies, flower arrangements, vases and 
innumerable trinkets, peculiar to the people of picturesque Japan are so easily obtained 
that such a room may be fitted up at very little expense. 

Besides Den papers there are many designs and colorings especially suited to this 
purpose. Particularly a French paper with a firecracker red background softened by 
crossed lines with ornaments suggestive of storks and tulips. It is a novelty paper that 
cannot fail to be popular and lasting. Denim effects in strong colors may be used, 

Japanese grasscloths in one color or with figured patterns make most exquisite 
coverings for the walls of this or the finest of Drawing rooms and Chambers. 


PANELS 

A new treatment that properly belongs under this head consists of a ribbon or 
floral band about three inches in width around the entire room under the moulding and 
above the base board. The filling to be in solid moire, two toned ornament or diaper 
pattern, depending upon the character of the room. In some cases this band is 
broken at the corners and runs down to the baseboard, making a border around 
each wall. We would like to dwell upon the variety of beautiful combinations that may 
be planned, using a panel similar in form to that in our Drawing room. For Dining 
rooms rich tapestries with plain stiling; for Parlors and Chambers, light tapestries, 
repp silks, cretonnes, chintzes or damask effects are used. 

The price is regulated by the cost of material used for stiling, moulding, ornaments, 
and filling. We can furnish gold beading for panels or ceilings also angle and picture 
mouldings, plate, photograph and candle rails in all sizes, shapes and styles. In some 
cases they are colored to match wall and ceiling decorations. 


DIGS 
The placing of lights has much to do with the effectiveness of interiors. Therefore, 
in order to show them to the best advantage discrimination must be practiced. We 


The Dormio No. 842. Jac Rose No. 536. 
strongly advocate the use of side lights. A number of ornamental lamps in a room, 
besides fulfilling their purpose, are often in themselves very decorative. 


NOVELTY PAPERS 


Of late years many makers of wall papers in anticipation of the ever increasing 
demand for the new, have flooded the market with trash unfit for serious consideration. 
Nine persons out of ten are of a temperment easily affected by color, and it is for the 
benefit of these nine that we insert these lines. Before you choose it is a good plan to 
very carefully consider the size of the room, wall space, quantity of light and location of 
windows, character and predominant color of the furnishings as well as the purpose of 
the room. In the Den, young ladies’ room, Nursery and rooms in country houses well 
chosen novelties are almost necessities. 

For rooms in country houses we have many original schemes 
and a large variety of special papers. Some with patterns similar I 
in motif to that in the Tapestrie “Paysage.” — 


NURSERY PAPERS 

From Europe come so many unique patterns that our 
booklet would be incomplete without a brief descrip- __ Ay 
tion of some of them, Several English papers have ~ 3 


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for subjects selections from Mother Goose jingles, Red 

Riding Hood, Santa Claus and similar child lore, some 

— of which have verses attached. Among the French 

C Me) subjects we find scenes from a pantomime or the adventures 

of Pierrot. Children appreciate more than we realize, things 

7 Of this kind, and always remember them pleasantly in connection with 
their nursery days. 


THE CHAMBER 


“IT remember, when I was a boy, going to the country to visit some friends. | 
arrived at night after a hard day’s traveling, tired out. Iwas shortly shown to my 
chamber and, not beingin a mood to observe with any interest the furnishings of the 
room, was soon in bed and asleep. When I awoke the sun was shining in the window 
and its rays were reflected about the room from one bright object to another. The 
bright brass bed trimmings, the mirror on the dressing case and even the gilt ornaments 
on the pitcher and wash bowl took up the reflection until the room was filled with 
sparkling gold. I looked about in mild curiosity. The woodwork, painted a clean 
white, and the glaze chintz paper with a small pink flower pattern seemed to vie with 
the light colored furnishings in imparting the general feeling of freshness. While I lay 


Poppy No. 619. 


Chamber Showing Poppy Pattern in Mulberry. 


enjoying the effect I heard the family stirring below. 1 jumped out of bed, washed, 
dressed and went down stairs to wish the world a good morning with all my _ heart.” 
This is the feeling we wish our Chamber to convey. 

The apartments of Marie Antoinette in the palace at Versailles and 
those of her ladies-in-waiting were famous for their beauty. They were 
furnished in the style of Louis Seize with light flowered Tapestry for wall 
and furniture coverings. 

A reproduction of this delicately colored Tapestry is also applicable 
to the Parlor. An effect similar to that shown in the illustration of 

a Chamber is obtained by the use of a green corduroy 
paper with a flowered pattern above the candle rail. —— 
A stripe may be used instead of the corduroy with 
an equally pleasing effect. For the guest room a 


sprawling rose or poppy pattern for the ceiling and extending down to the moulding, 
below which the walls are in plain tint, is pleasing to many. When the Chamber is used 
aS a morning room we advise warmer colors. 

This, or any other room for that matter, with a northern exposure should be 
finished in colors having light attracting qualities. For a Bedroom with this exposure 
use papers in yellow, pink or cream. Dainty French cretonnes in florals and stripes are 
among the numerous effects offered for Chambers. 

It is both wisdom and economy to select papers representing the fabrics for such 
are sure to be in good taste providing care is used in the choice of colorings. 

We carry a line of papers made especially to match cretonnes and glaze chintzes, 
also tile papers for Bath rooms and Lavatories. 


32303 


For years we have been in the receipt of communications from all parts of the 
country asking for suggestions on the decoration of the home and from time to time 
have issued booklets, each more elaborate than the former. 

Our last effort “The Cat andthe Pansies” met with such success that although the 
edition was large the requests were so numerous that none remain. 

In this booklet we have endeavored, with the aid of color illustrations, fo give an 
idea, necessarily in a general manner, of the kind of decorative work we are doing or is 
done by our advice, throughout the country, and to show as nearly as it is now 
possible the colors in some of the very newest designs in wall papers anda few of 
the late successful ones. 

Tapestrie “Paysage” and “de Dauphin” are papers of French manufacture and par- 
ticularly fine in quality. The pattern in the latter is repeated every twenty-two inches. 

The English papers Templemore and Rothesay are applicable to the Hall, Library 
or Dining Room. All of the floral papers will look well in the Chamber. The Yellow 
Poppy may also be successfully used in the Halls of country houses. 

The prices for these may be had upon application. 

Besides these we carry at all times hundreds of patterns comprising all that is good 
of European and Domestic manufacture with prices from 15 cents to $10.00 per roll. 

Experienced buyers in our employ are constantly on the lookout for the newest 
and best, for in these days artistic colorings and exquisite workmanship are matters 
of selection rather than of cost. 

Our firm is one of the oldest of its kind in the U. S. and we number among our 
corps of artists and artisans men who have been identified with the increase of beautiful 
homes in all parts of the country. 


It is now possible for those at a distance to carry out, with our assistance, any and 
all schemes of decoration in the most approved manner at a cost far below their 
expectations. 

Through our plans the average work can be done by correspondence, but should it 
be found advisable to undertake the work personally we will send a man competent to 
advise with you. If everything is satisfactory workmen and artists will follow, capable 
of carrying out decorative plans of the most elaborate nature. Be assured the result 
will be satisfactory and the price reasonable. 

Color plans and estimates will be made for the decoration of churches, theaters, 
public buildings, clubs, country houses, etc. 

Our ideas are valuable but we are glad in all cases to give the best of them to 
those who ask. Let us hear from you. 


W. P. Nelson Company 
193 Wabash Avenue 


Phone Main 2716 Chicago, Ill. 


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AVERY LIBRARY 
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 


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